PCS union warns of longer waiting times for driving tests if Driving Standards Agency offices close

Learner drivers could face longer waiting times for driving tests under plans to close a number of offices, a union has warned.

The Public and Commercial Services union (PCS) said it had seen a report recommending the closure of several Driving Standards Agency (DSA) offices.

Three of the five regional centres in Edinburgh, Newcastle, Cardiff, Birmingham and London would close.

But a DSA spokeswoman told BBC News no decision had been made.

“We have commissioned a firm of consultants to look at the organisation of the DSA and we have recently received their report,” she said. “The recommendations are currently being considered and will be discussed with the trade union.”

But the PCS insisted that jobs could be lost if the centres close and said the level of service driving test applicants and driving instructors received would be affected.